Impact of family supportive leadership on taking charge behaviour: resource-gain-development framework perspective

Purpose Based on the resource-gain-development framework, this study aims to explore the mediating mechanism of work–family enrichment (WFE) and psychological distress, and the potential positive effect of co-worker support, on employees’ work behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Data was obtained via a three-stage survey with 400 frontline employees from 13 distinct industries. Findings This study found that family-supportive leadership (FSL) has a positive impact on employees’ taking charge behaviour (TCB). WFE and psychological distress partially mediated the effect of FSL on TCB and WFE and psychological distress played a serial mediating role between FSL and TCB. Co-worker support positively moderated the relationship between FSL and WFE, TCB and psychological distress. Research limitations/implications Managers should consider the problems and difficulties that employees may encounter in completing their work tasks and performance and minimise the interference of non-work factors on employees’ work status. Organisations should also facilitate diversity training for managers to respond to employees’ work and life problems and display family support behaviour. Originality/value This study confirmed the role of FSL in WFE, psychological distress and TCB. The results can provide guidance for managers to motivate employees’ TCB.